I don't really like lyric inspired contests, if the song is great one then it won't need rewriting, if it isn't why celebrate it?
This is a really great song by Don Mclean
Vincent
by
Don Mclean
Starry starry night, paint your palette blue and grey
Look out on a summer's day with eyes that know the darkness in my soul
Shadows on the hills, sketch the trees and the daffodils
Catch the breeze and the winter chills, in colours on the snowy linen land
Now I understand what you tried to say to me
How you suffered for your sanity How you tried to set them free
They would not listen they did not know how, perhaps they'll listen now
Starry starry night, flaming flowers that brightly blaze
Swirling clouds in violet haze reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue
Colors changing hue, morning fields of amber grain
Weathered faces lined in pain are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand
For they could not love you, but still your love was true
And when no hope was left in sight, on that starry starry night
You took your life as lovers often do,
But I could have told you, Vincent,
This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you
Starry, starry night, portraits hung in empty halls
Frameless heads on nameless walls with eyes that watch the world and can't forget.
Like the stranger that you've met, the ragged man in ragged clothes
The silver thorn of bloody rose, lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow
Now I think I know what you tried to say to me
How you suffered for your sanity How you tried to set them free
They would not listen they're not listening still
Perhaps they never will.
I DON'T want you to rewrite it, I don't think you can do any better!!!
However I am told there have been a few other artists over the history of the human race. What I should like is for you to try to celebrate one of them in the way that Don Mclean celebrates Van Goch, if I am not certain to know the artist some relevant links in the AN please, and if you can illustrate your poem with their work. The artist probably ought to be dead ...
If you address your poem to the artist as Don Mclean does that will help you when I am judging
(Oh and if it is exceptionally brilliant I'd allow you to interpret "artist" to include anyone with huge skill in their field)
I shall allow prewrites but they better be good! And I won't give anyone two prizes. No need to reserve, but you can if you wish, I may ask others to help me judge this and it will be open for a decent time.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on June 30
- Rewards: Gold: 2400, Silver: 1200, Bronze: 600, Honorable mention: 3 people
- Final notes: Thank-you all for some wonderful poetry, we three did not agree on the exact order of the winners but all are happy with the final result.
We have slightly penalized those poets who wrote about Van Gogh, Don Maclean has done him so well, so the contest asked for a similar tribute to another artist (and I should have said painter as we got entries about exponents of other arts, but that was OK they weren't penalized, my fault)
Please read a few of the other entries, they are well worth it.
I've added some HMs thanks again to all of you
Jeff
Contest Winners
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Some were reading letters, from lovers sailed afar,
gazing from their windows at strangers in the street.• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
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The chance child of a Florence notary
And dusky peasant girl from Tuscany,by Mercury Rising 42 lines, 17 comments, on Apr 23 5:21 PM. In Dedication, Interlocking Rubaiyat Octets
Bronze trophy winner
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Gold trophy winner
Silver trophy winner
Honorable mention
Entries [13]
1 - 13 of 13
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It is a poem about Vincent Van Goghby peadiotrocity101 13 lines, 7 comments, on May 30 8:55 AM. In Contest, Life, Sad, Thoughts, Inspirational• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Can you remember who I am?
My paintings at the trip to the museum• Commented on by judge. -
Hey ,Vincent cut off his ear
when someone paints they do not have to hear• Commented on by judge. -
by darell 58 lines, 7 comments, on Nov 13 7:33 PM 2006. In Spiritual, Hope, Dedication, Inspirational• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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i share your feelings about song contests
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This song has always been a favorite of mine, the lyrics are untouchable with their images and tenderness. I have a soft spot in my heart for Vincent and this song.
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As an artist you should have a lovely insight into some other artists lives, I hope you will try to write for them (and us )
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Don't really ...
feel up to writing, but I do love that song. Josh Groban does a great version of it too.
You might want to fix the typo near the end which says "you sanity" but should be "your sanity".
Good luck with this. -
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I love Josh Groban's version too! It's a timeless song.
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I am glad this will be open for some time; I have much research to do.
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I absolutely love this song. I must have been maybe 5 when I finally convinced my grandma to buy the record for me with a big red, white, and blue thumb on it. I played it on a record player that was like a suitcase. Best wishes with this contest.
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OMG! What a beautiful background you have here! Thanks for hosting a meaningful comp for us to enjoy.
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Congratulations to the winners,Di
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